Tourniquet Guidelines

Question 1

Function & Useage

Answer 1

• Occludes blood flow through arteries via compression against underlying bones
• MUST BE TIGHT, loose tourniquets may only occlude venous blood flow, but not arterial, causing even faster blood loss
• Should additional bleeding occur tourniquet must be tightened further
• Time tourniquet was applied must be recorded

Question 2

Use of Tourniquet in Amputation (full & partial)

Answer 2

• In case of full amputation of an extremity immediately move to the use of a tourniquet (as there is no tissue to protect distally)
• In the case of partial amputation apply to mid proximal long bone (humerus or femur)